A progressive Christian curriculum that links meaningful children's books with sacred and spiritual teachings
A boy is learning his father’s craft: recognizing the trees that release valuable resin – myrrh – and gathering the round drops, which look almost like tears. One day the two find a “tear’ of unusual size and, in the marketplace, three foreign strangers are interested in purchasing it as a gift for a baby. Clarion Books, 2011.
As the church Celebration of Creatures service approaches, Francesca the cockroach yearns to be there,
but Martin the skunk warns her against it:
“I don’t think that we are meant to be included, Francesca. It’s for the respectables, the cute and cuddlies. We are outcasts, my dear. They’ll never let us in. Can’t you just hear the humans shrieking as we walk down the aisle? They’d be fainting left and right.”
Francesca and Martin find a creative way into the church and learn that all of creation has value, purpose, and God’s blessing. Paraclete Press (2007).
It is the day before Christmas in a small Russian village. Alexi’s babushka is telling him what Christmas was like when she was a girl – before the soldiers came. Alexi has many questions, including, “Why can’t we celebrate Christmas tomorrow in St. Nicholas?” Babushka sadly replies that it would take a miracle after sixty years. Alexi thinks that if there truly was such a thing as a miracle, why couldn’t it happen here? And so unfolds a story that reveals how, though quiet and hidden, faith and hope cannot be suppressed by soldiers or by time. The Miracle of Saint Nicholas (1997).
Clover’s mom says it isn’t safe to cross the fence that segregates their black side of town from the white side where Anna lives. But the two girls strike up a friendship, and get around the grown-ups’ rules by sitting on top of the fence together. This book is a good selection near the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. Nancy Paulsen Books (2001).
It was the perfect summer. That is, until Jeremy Ross moved into the house down the street and became neighborhood enemy number one. Luckily Dad had a surefire way to get rid of enemies: Enemy Pie. But part of the secret recipe is spending an entire day playing with the enemy! Enemy Pie serves up a sweet lesson in the difficulties and ultimate rewards of making new friends. Chronicle Books (2000).
This is a well-written biography which introduces Francis as a frivolous yet charming “King of Youth” and follows him through his conversion and founding of the Franciscan order, and finally, to welcoming “Sister Death” at the end of his remarkable life. It also describes incidents such as Francis’ reconciliation with the wolf of Grubbio and his relationship with St. Clare, who started an order of nuns similar to the Franciscan brothers’ order. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (2005).
Newbery Medalist Katherine Paterson (Bridge to Terabithia and Jacob Have I Loved) retells the life of Jesus in simple, beautiful language for all ages, making the story new again. Startling images from Jesus’ life light the text with the same warmth and directness. Arthur A. Levine Books (2008).
As a young girl in Kenya, Wangari is surrounded by trees. But when she gets older, she sees the trees being cut down. Wangari is afraid that soon all the forests will be destroyed. So she decides to plant nine seedlings. And as they grow, so do her plans… This true story of Wangari Maathai, environmentalist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, is a shining example of how one person’s passion, vision and determination can inspire great change. Clarion Books (2018).
It may be Christmastime but on a small, forlorn farm the holiday season is best forgotten, along with painful memories of loved ones lost. Mother Nature has other plans, however, and a chance snowstorm brings together two unlikely hearts, one human and one beast, yet both yearning for comfort, companionship, and that most elusive gift of all, hope. Sleeping Bear Press (2004).
This wonderfully illustrated book retells eight of Jesus’ parables and describes nine of his miracles, all in a conversational and contemporary way that is accessible to all. Reviewing these stories is a great way to familiarize children with Christ’s ministry and teachings, especially in the weeks leading up to Easter. Lincoln Children’s Books (2007).
